Russell Anton Glastetter

Russell Glastetter, 72, passed away at home, surrounded by family and loved ones on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  Russ was born on Freeport Illinois and graduated from Aquin High School. He is preceded in death by his wife, Vicki Glastetter of Redlands and his parents, Cletus and Dorothy Glastetter of Freeport Illinois. He is survived by his daughters Rebecca Young Nesbitt and Rachel Glastetter, his grandchildren, Regina Young and Micah Glastetter, his brothers and sister, Donald Glastetter, Kathryn Wagner and Kenneth Glastetter and his companion Antonia Henderson
In college, Russ participated in Air Force ROTC. He knew it meant he would probably go to Vietnam but felt his duty to country was more important than his personal safety. After graduating from Illinois Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, he was sent to pilot training school at Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock Texas, where his first daughter was born. After which he flew C-141 Starlifters for about a year and a half in support of the mission in SouthEast Asia. He knew it was only a matter of time before he deployed to Vietnam. His orders came in fall of 1969. He was to fly OV-10 Broncos as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam. Russ was deployed to Chu Lai for the Vietnam War flying missions, frequently behind enemy lines in support of the troops on the ground. He was proud to serve his country but was deeply aware of his responsibility to his family (young wife and 3 year old daughter) at home. He wanted to be certain he made it home to them.
After he returned home in June 1971, he continued his career in the US Air Force with a “tour” of Norton Air Force base. This is where his second daughter was born. He flew C-141’s for much of his career and was transferred to many parts of the country during his career. He finally retired in 1987 as a Lt Colonel from Norton Air Force Base.
Russ was never one to be idle. He went to work for a defense contractor project engineer on the B-2 Stealth Bomber. He finally “retired” in 2012 and turned his abundant energy to real estate. He always had to have projects to work on and real estate was the perfect outlet for his energy and sharp mind.
Russ was a devout Catholic and parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus in Redlands where he volunteered his time as Eucharistic minister. He was a volunteer softball coach for his daughter’s softball team. Later in his life, he volunteered at his grandson’s school several times each week and as a soccer referee for AYSO. He believed he had been blessed in his life and was always looking for ways to give back.
Family was always his driving factor and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He is remembered frequently for his Mickey Mouse pancakes by friends of his children and grandchildren. He was a loving and supportive father who would do anything needed for his family.
He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed all who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held at Emmerson Bartlett Funeral Home (emmersonbartlett.com) on Monday, September 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary service at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Redlands on Tuesday, September 19 at 11 a.m. Full military honors services will follow at Riverside National Veteran’s Cemetery at 1:30 with a reception following at the Holy Name of Jesus from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Russ’ name to the Pregnancy Counseling Center of San Bernardino or the National Right to Life Committee in Washington DC.